Brian To’o to leave Penrith Panthers for PNG Chiefs, contract length, details, reaction, 2027 roster, salary cap

A major domino has fallen in Penrith’s impending roster crunch, with superstar winger Brian To’o to depart the club for the PNG Chiefs at the end of the 2027 season.

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The Panthers and Chiefs both confirmed the news on Monday morning, with To’o to join the NRL’s 19th franchise on a three-year deal from 2028.

Penrith gave To’o a seven-day window to speak with the Chiefs this month according to Code Sports and if he had not come to an agreement with PNG, all talks would have been paused until November 1.

Instead, To’o signed on the dotted line and now link up with former Penrith teammate Jarome Luai in what is shaping as a star-studded roster for PNG’s inaugural season.

“Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment,” Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas said.

“He brings competitiveness, consistency, and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally.

“We are building this club from the ground up, and the standards established by our first group of players will shape our club for generations. Brian understands family, sacrifice, humility, and togetherness.

“Those are values shared across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”

PNG put out a hype video on its social media accounts announcing To’o’s signing, describing him as “the greatest winger the modern game has ever produced”.

The Chiefs will now have two world-class wingers in To’o and Alex Johnston for the 2028 season, while Joey Manu is tipped to join Zac Lomax as the club’s centres to make up a lethal backline.

Luai’s halves partner is yet to be locked in and while Nathan Cleary would be the dream target, there has been increasing optimism as of late that Penrith could secure a deal with its superstar halfback before November 1.

Rounding out PNG’s impressive roster is St Helens recruit Matty Lees and the versatile Connor Watson.

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“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is about much more than football,” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said.

“The PNG Chiefs will be a club proudly built in Papua New Guinea but with a strong Pacific identity. Across our region, family, culture, community, and rugby league are deeply connected, and Brian represents those values every time he takes the field.

“He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself.

“That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey.

“We want young people across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to look at this team and see themselves in it. Brian choosing to become part of the Chiefs sends a powerful message about the club we are building and what this team can represent for our region, and we are incredibly proud to welcome him, his wife and children into the Chiefs family.”

As for the Panthers, their attention will turn towards securing co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary’s signatures.

Yeo began talks with the Panthers about a new contract last month, while there have been suggestions that the club is also confident Cleary could re-sign before November 1.

That would be a huge boost given the club has a host of big names who can negotiate with rivals from that date, including Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali’i, Blaize Talagi and Paul Alamoti.

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Leota had been linked to the Perth Bears but the NRL’s soon-to-be newest franchise was only reportedly interested if he could be released to the club a year early.

That, however, was not something the Panthers were willing to do and recently it was reported that Leota was open to accepting a pay cut to remain at the foot of the mountains.

Either way, To’o becomes the first of those high-profile Penrith players to sign on with a new club and won’t be the last as the four-time premiers face a tough roster crunch.

“Brian is an exceptional player, but he’s an even better person. He’s a great teammate, a devoted family man and someone who brings so much energy and positivity to our club every day,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

“He’s been a huge part of what we’ve built here and we’re looking forward to sharing one more season with him before he begins his next chapter.”

Panthers General Manager of Football Shane Elford said the club respected To’o’s decision.

“We’re obviously disappointed to be losing a player of Brian’s quality, but we’ve had open and respectful discussions throughout the process,” Elford said.

“Brian has made a decision he believes is best for himself and his family, and we respect that. He’s given everything to this club and we know he’ll continue to do that for the remainder of his time in Panthers colours.”

Panthers CEO Matt Cameron, meanwhile, reiterated the message he has given all year long that this cohort of off-contract players have “absolutely earned the right” to test the market.

“We are so proud of what Brian has been able to do for our community and fully respect the decision he has made,” Cameron added.

“It’s an exciting period for the game as the NRL continues to grow, and we believe a strong competition is ultimately good for rugby league.”

While To’o’s departure is a big loss for Penrith, the club has already locked down Mitch Kenny and Tom Jenkins on new deals.